The UK’s largest and most sophisticated maritime simulation centre, situated at Solent University’s main campus in Southampton, was officially opened by Sir Michael Bibby Bt., DL, President of the UK Chamber of Shipping, on 21st May.
Speaking at the event Sir Michael Bibby said: “There is no doubt that these centres can give better training and improve safety for everyone at sea. But we also need to attract more young people into the maritime industry.
“We need to build our profile and promote our careers because these young officer cadets are the future of our maritime nation, and this facility could help attract more young people into it. I would like to thank the University for creating, developing and making this facility into the fantastic place it is.”
An important part of the £43 million investment that the University is putting into maritime education and training at Solent, the £7 Million simulation centre — partly funded by Solent LEP — will open its doors for business this June.
Professor Syamantak Bhattacharya, Dean of the Warsash School of Maritime Science and Engineering said: “We have a long history in pioneering the use of simulator technology, ever since the launch of the UK’s first simulators at our Warsash campus more than 40 years ago. Our new centre continues that well-established tradition, offering access to the latest cutting-edge hardware and software. We are proud to remain at the forefront in delivering specialist higher-level training.”
The new facility will include the latest equipment and software including: eight full mission bridge simulators; over 50 part task simulators; a full mission engineering room simulator; high voltage simulators; liquid cargo simulators; on-and off-shore crane simulators; and four multi-purpose desktop simulation classrooms.
Designed with the future in mind, the new centre also features a ‘Virtual Shipyard’, to test ships which are in the process of being designed, or to create digital twins of existing ships. This allows officers to train in a virtual environment that mirrors their own workplace, further enhancing the experience.
